Davide Frattesi’s extra-time heroics sealed Inter Milan’s place in the Champions League final after a pulsating 4-3 victory over Barcelona at the San Siro, with the Nerazzurri progressing 7-6 on aggregate in a match that will go down as an all-time classic.
Just as Barcelona seemed destined for Munich—thanks to Raphinha’s 87th-minute strike—Inter’s Francesco Acerbi delivered a dramatic equalizer deep into stoppage time, nodding in Denzel Dumfries’ cross to send the tie to extra time. Frattesi then etched his name into Inter folklore with a sublime curling effort to complete an unforgettable comeback.
The hosts stormed into a commanding first-half lead, with Lautaro Martínez firing them ahead before Hakan Çalhanoğlu doubled the advantage from the spot, mirroring their fast start in the first leg.
But Barcelona roared back after the break, with Eric García and Dani Olmo leveling the score before the hour mark. The Blaugrana were controversially denied a penalty after VAR ruled Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s foul on Lamine Yamal occurred just outside the box—a decision that could have swung the tie.
Despite their relentless fightback, Hansi Flick’s side fell short in extra time, unable to recover after Frattesi’s moment of magic. Inter’s resilience and teamwork shone through, proving why they deserve a shot at European glory.
While Barcelona’s 31-game unbeaten run came to a heartbreaking end, their attacking brilliance across both legs was undeniable. However, defensive frailties proved costly, leaving them just short of a final berth.
For Simone Inzaghi’s men, this victory offers redemption after their 2023 final heartbreak. Now, a showdown with either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal awaits at the Allianz Arena.
Key Moments
-
Martínez’s Opener (23’): Inter exploit Barça’s high line, with Dumfries squaring for the captain to slot home.
-
Çalhanoğlu’s Penalty (45’): The Turkish midfielder coolly converts to double the lead before halftime.
-
Acerbi’s Last-Gasp Header (90+4’): A dramatic equalizer forces extra time.
-
Frattesi’s Winner (105’): A stunning curler seals Inter’s place in history.
This tie had everything—drama, controversy, and world-class football. While neutrals may have favored Barcelona, Inter’s grit and determination have cemented their status as genuine contenders for Europe’s biggest prize.
